Several exciting, state-of-the-art advancements in LASIK surgery have taken place over the past few years, including IntraLase—a highly sophisticated blade-free method used to create the corneal flap during the LASIK procedure.

How the IntraLase Method Works

LASIK surgery consists of two steps. STEP ONE: The surgeon uses a laser to create a corneal flap. STEP TWO: The surgeon gently folds the corneal flap back to perform the laser procedure that corrects the patient's vision.

Traditionally, the corneal flap has been created using a thin metal blade. The IntraLase Method™ uses tiny, ultra precise pulses of laser light to create the corneal flap—a blade is not used.

Three Advantages of the IntraLase Method

Any three of the following:

More people achieve vision that is 20/20 or better. The procedure is 100% blade free.

It allows the surgeon to tailor-make the corneal flap based on what is best for the patient.

In a survey of LASIK patients, the vision in the IntraLase®-treated eye was preferred 3-to-1 over the vision in the blade-treated eye (among those who stated a preference).

Patients with certain types of corneas who were not previously eligible for LASIK using a blade may now be eligible using the IntraLase Method™.

Custom Vue Procedure Provides Individualized Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction can now be tailored to the unique characteristics of the patient's eyes thanks to advanced technology developed by VISX, Incorporated, the worldwide leader in laser vision correction, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The VISX Custom Vue procedure utilizes the WaveScan measurement device to map the entire optical path of the eye. The resulting WavePrint® map produces a “fingerprint of the patient's vision,” providing the doctor with a precise and detailed guide for how to best improve the patient's vision. This enables the doctor to correct the patient's eyesight so that he/she can get the best possible vision. In many cases, patients see better than 20/20 following a Custom Vue treatment.

By specifically addressing the unique imperfections of the patient's vision, the VISX Custom Vue procedure can help him/her achieve his/her “personal best vision,” without the use contact lenses or glasses. Results from clinical study have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the Custom Vue procedure and demonstrated that it can potentially produce better vision than previously possible with contact lenses or glasses.

Custom Vue LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

What is Custom Vue (individualized laser vision) correction?

A.

Custom Vue individualized laser vision correction is WaveScan®-driven, which enables the physician to measure the unique imperfections in each individual’s vision. Many of these imperfections could never be measured before using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses.

Q.

Who is a candidate for a Custom Vue LASIK procedure?

A.

Anyone 21 years of age or older and who wears glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism may benefit from Custom Vue™. If you meet the criteria, you should see your doctor for more information.

Q.

What is WaveScan® technology?

A.

WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring imperfections in the eye never before measured using standard methods for glasses or contact lenses. WaveScan-based digital technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s eye 25 times more precisely than standard methods. Physicians use this information to treat individuals with the Custom Vue® procedure.

Q.

What is Personal Best Vision?

A.

Because everyone’s eyes are unique, each individual may benefit from vision correction that is custom-tailored. For the first time, Custom Vue using Wavefront technology can measure and correct the unique characteristics of each individual’s vision, potentially providing the patient with the best possible personal vision.

Q.

Why is WaveScan technology so important to the Custom Vue procedure?

A.

Until now, physicians were forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision. An off-the-shelf lens corrects an individual’s vision fairly well, but it does not correct it precisely because it is not uniquely tailored to that person’s vision fingerprint. Now, with WaveScan technology, we can custom tailor a correction for the unique characteristics of each individual’s vision.

Q.

How is the information transferred from the WaveScan to the laser?

A.

The WaveScan digital information is transferred to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy.

Q.

What will a patient experience during the course of this procedure?

A.

The individual will initially meet with the physician for an evaluation to determine if he or she is a good candidate for the Custom Vue procedure. A WaveScan measurement will be taken to map the unique characteristics of his or her vision. The physician will assess several criteria including level of correction and overall eye health and discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with the patient. Once it is confirmed that the individual is a good candidate, he or she can be scheduled for Custom Vue. The physician will provide details for the individual on how to prepare for the day of the procedure.

On procedure day, the individual will be seated in a reclined position, anesthetic drops will be placed in the eyes and a flap will be created in the cornea. The individual’s treatment information is transferred from the WaveScan to the VISX® laser in order to drive the Custom Vue Procedure. The actual laser procedure typically takes several seconds. The majority of individuals feel no pain during the procedure.

After Custom Vue, individuals will notice results immediately, and vision will continue to improve over the next few days. The individual will be scheduled for several follow-up appointments.

Q.

Will I need glasses or contacts after the Custom Vue™ procedure?

A.

Probably not. Six months after the clinical study, all participants saw well enough to drive a car without glasses or contacts. Ninety-four percent had 20/20 vision. However, individual results may vary.

Q.

What does better than 20/20 mean?

A.

20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, with the Custom Vue™ procedure, individuals have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, six months after the Custom Vue™ procedure, 74% of the clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.

Q.

How could the Custom Vue™ procedure affect my night vision?

A.

Many patients found their night vision was improved after the Custom Vue™ procedure. In fact, in the clinical study, four times as many participants were very satisfied with their vision after their procedure, as compared to their night vision before with glasses or contact lenses.

Q.

Why is WaveScan Technology so important to the Custom Vue™ procedure?

A.

For the first time, WaveScan Technology captures unique imperfections in each individual’s vision that could not have been measured before using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. This new level of measurement is 25 times more precise than standard measurements for glasses and contacts lenses.